Selective estrogen receptor modulators

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides, inter alia, triphenylethylene derivatives, such as, 3-{4-[6-(3-Methoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl]-phenyl}-acrylic acid, as selective estrogen receptor modulators. Also provided are methods for treating estrogen stimulated diseases in mammals including, but not limited to, for example, breast, uterine, ovarian, prostate and colon cancer; osteoporosis; endometriosis; uterine fibroid; Alzheimer&#39;s disease; macular degeneration; urinary incontinence; and type II diabetes, as well as, pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of the present invention.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10/216,253, filed Aug. 9, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/311,466, filed Aug. 11, 2001, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to triphenylethylene derivatives, such as, 3-{4-[6-(3-Methoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl]-phenyl}-acrylic acid, as selective estrogen receptor modulators. This invention also provides methods for treating estrogen stimulated diseases in mammals including, but not limited to, for example, breast, uterine, ovarian, prostate and colon cancer; osteoporosis; endometriosis; uterine fibroid; Alzheimer's disease; macular degeneration; urinary incontinence; and type II diabetes, as well as, pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of the present invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Approximately 180,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the United States. Most of these women are cured of their disease by surgery and local radiotherapy. However, nearly 60,000 women go on to develop metastatic breast cancer each year, and 45,000 of these patients eventually die from their malignancies. While metastatic breast cancer is rarely curable, it is treatable with modern pharmaceuticals that prolong patient survival and reduce the morbidity associated with metastatic lesions. Foremost among these therapies are hormonal manipulations that include selective estrogen receptor modifiers (SERMs). SERMs are small ligands of the estrogen receptor that are capable of inducing a wide variety of conformational changes in the receptor and thereby eliciting a variety of distinct biological profiles. SERMs not only affect the growth of breast cancer tissue but also influence other physiological processes. The most widely used SERM in breast cancer is tamoxifen, which is a partial estrogen receptor agonist/antagonist that produces objective responses in approximately 50% of the patients. Unfortunately, 100% of patients who take tamoxifen eventually relapse with tamoxifen-resistant tumors. Approximately 50% of the patients that fail tamoxifen treatment will respond to a subsequent hormonal manipulation therapy such as castration, aromatase inhibitors, or other SERMs. The second line therapies for hormonal manipulation therapy of metastatic breast cancer represent a substantial unmet need because no single agent has become the treatment of choice for patients who fail tamoxifen therapy. The ideal agent would be a medication that induces regression of metastatic breast cancer lesions in women who have previously responded to tamixofen therapy.

SERMs modulate the proliferation of uterine tissue, skeletal bone density, and cardiovascular health, including plasma cholesterol levels. In general, estrogen stimulates breast and endometrial tissue proliferation, enhances bone density, and lowers plasma cholesterol. Many SERMs are bifunctional in that they antagonize some of these functions while stimulating others. For example, tamoxifen, which is a partial agonist/antagonist at the estrogen receptor inhibits estrogen-induced breast cancer cell proliferation but stimulates endometrial tissue growth and prevents bone loss. Estrogens are an important class of steroidal hormones that stimulate the development and maintenance of fundamental sexual characteristics in humans. In the past, estrogens have been found useful in the treatment of certain medical conditions and diseases. For example estradiol, a steroid hormone produced by the ovary, is useful in the treatment of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, premenstrual syndrome, vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, atrophic vaginitis, Kraurosis vulvae, female hypogonadism, primary ovarian failure, excessive hair growth and prostatic cancer.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen has been determined to be a clinically effective treatment for osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. However, less than 15% of eligible women are currently prescribed HRT despite clinical trials that have demonstrated a 50% reduction in hip fractures and a 30% reduction in cardiovascular disease. Non-compliance arises from patient and physician concerns over the two fold increased risk of endometrial cancer observed with HRT employing estrogen alone as well as the association between estrogen therapy and breast cancer. Although unproven in the clinic, this suspected risk for breast cancer has led to HRT being contraindicated in a significant percentage of post-menopausal women. Co-therapy with progestins has been shown to protect the uterus against cancer while maintaining the osteoprotective effects of the estrogen, however the progestin introduces other side effects such as withdrawal bleeding, breast pain and mood swings.

In light of the more serious side effects associated with estrogen therapy, including myocardial infarction, thromboembolism, cerebrovascular disease, and endometrial carcinoma, a significant amount of research has been carried out to identify effective nonsteroidal estrogen and antiestrogenic compounds. In general, such compounds may be characterized as both estrogenic and antiestrogenic because, while they all bind to the estrogen receptor, they may induce an estrogenic or antiestrogenic effect depending upon the location of the receptor. In the past, it has been postulated that the binding of various nonsteroidal estrogen and antiestrogenic compounds to the estrogen receptor was due to the presence of a common pharmacophore (shown below in Scheme A), which was recurrent in the chemical structures of these compounds.

This pharmacophore later became the structural backbone around which nonsteroidal estrogen and antiestrogenic compounds were constructed. Its presence in the constructs of various compounds such as hexestrol, tamoxifen, chroman, triphenylethylene, DES, clomiphene, centchroman, nafoxidene, trioxifene, toremifene, zindoxifene, raloxifene, droloxifene, DABP, TAT-59 and other structurally related compounds has become accepted in the art as the molecular key to estrogen receptor binding specificity.

Estrogen has also been shown to function as a mitogen in estrogen-receptor (ER) positive breast cancer cells. Thus, treatment regiments which include antiestrogens, synthetic compounds which oppose the actions of estrogen have been effective clinically in halting or delaying the progression of the disease (Jordan and Murphy, Endocrine Reviews 11:578-610 1990); Parker, Breast Cancer Res. Treat. 26:131-137 (1993)). The availability of these synthetic ER modulators and subsequent dissection of their mechanism(s) of action have provided useful insights into ER action.

The human estrogen receptor (ER) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors (Evans, Science 240:889-895 (1988)). In the absence of hormone, it resides in the nucleus of target cells in a transcriptionally inactive state. Upon binding ligand, ER undergoes a conformational change initiating a cascade of events leading ultimately to its association with specific regulatory regions within target genes (O'Malley et al., Hormone Research 47:1-26 (1991)). The ensuing effect on transcription is influenced by the cell and promoter context of the DNA-bound receptor (Tora et al. Cell 59:471-487 (1989) (Tasset et al., Cell 62:1177-1181 (1990); McDonnell et all Mol. Endocrinol. 9:659-669 (1995); Tzukerman et al. Mol. Endocrinol. 8:21-30 (1994)). It is in this manner that the physiological ER-agonist, estradiol, exerts its biological activity in the reproductive, skeletal and cardiovascular systems (Clark and Peck, Female Sex Steroids:Receptors and Function (eds) Monographs Springer-Verlag, New York (1979); Chow et al., J. Clin. Invest. 89:74-78 (1992); Eaker et al. Circulation 88:1999-2009 (1993)).

One of the most studied compounds in this regard is tamoxifen (TAM), (Z)1,2-diphenyl-1-[4-[2-(dimethylamino) ethoxy]phenyl]-1-butene, (Jordan and Murphy, Endocrine Reviews 11:578-610 (1990)), which is a triphenylethylene derivative. Tamoxifen functions as an antagonist in most ER-positive tumors of the breast and ovum, but displays a paradoxical agonist activity in bone and the cardiovascular system and partial agonist activity in the uterus (Kedar et al. Lancet 343:1318-1321 (1994); Love et al., New Engl. J. Med. 326:852-856 (1992); Love et al., Ann. Intern. Med. 115:860-864 (1991)). Thus, the agonist/antagonist activity of the ER-tamoxifen complex is influenced by cell context. This important observation is in apparent contradiction to longstanding models that hold that ER only exists in the cell in an active or an inactive state (Clark and Peck, Female Sex Steroids:Receptors and Functions (eds) Monographs on Endocrinology, Springer-Verlag, N.Y. (1979)). It indicates instead that different ligands acting through the same receptor can manifest different biologies in different cells. Definition of the mechanism of this selectivity is likely to advance the understanding of processes such as tamoxifen resistance, observed in most ER-containing breast cancers, where abnormalities in ER-signaling are implicated (Tonetti and Jordan, Anti-Cancer Drugs 6:498-507 (1995)). Tamoxifen, as well as a structurally similar compound known as raloxifene have been developed for the treatment and/or prevention of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer in addition to the treatment and/or prevention of a variety of other disease states. Both compounds have been shown to exhibit an osteoprotective effect on bone mineral density combined with a positive effect on plasma cholesterol levels and a greatly reduced incidence of breast and uterine cancer. Unfortunately, tamoxifen and raloxifene both have unacceptable levels of life-threatening side effects such as endometrial cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma.

The likely mechanism for the cell selective agonist/antagonist activity of tamoxifen has been determined using an in vitro approach (Tora et al., Cell 59:477487 (1989); Tasset et al., Cell 62:1177-1187 (1990); McDonnell et al., Mol. Endocrinol. 9:659-669 (1995); Tzukerman et al., Mol. Endocrinol. 8:21-30 (1994)). Importantly, it has been shown that tamoxifen induces a conformational change within ER which is distinct from that induced by estradiol (McDonnell et al., Mol. Endocrinol. 9:659-669 (1995); (Beekman et al., Molecular Endocrinology 7:1266-1274 (1993)). Furthermore, determination of the sequences within ER required for transcriptional activity indicate how these specific ligand-receptor complexes are differentially recognized by the cellular transcriptional machinery. Specifically, it has been shown that ER contains two activation domains, AF-1 (Activation Function-1) and AF-2, which permit its interaction with the transcription apparatus. The relative contribution of these AFs to overall ER efficacy differs from cell to cell (Tora et al., Cell 59:477-487 (1989); McDonnell et al., Mol. Endocrinol. 9:169 65-9-669 (1995); Tzukerman et al., Mol. Endocrinol. 8:21-30 (1994)). Estradiol was determined to function as both an AF-1 and an AF-2 agonist, in that it exhibited maximal activity regardless of which AF was dominant in a given cellular environment. Tamoxifen, on the other hand, functions as an AF-2 antagonist, inhibiting ER activity in cells where AF-2 is required or is the dominant activator (Tora et al., Cell 59:477-487 (1989); McDonnell et al., Mol. Endocrinol. 9:659-669 (1995); Tzukerman et al., Mol. Endocrinol. 8:21-30 (1994)). Conversely, tamoxifen functions as an agonist when AF-1 alone is required (McDonnell et al., Mol. Endocrinol. 9:659-669 (1995); Tzukerman et al., Mol. Endocrinol. 8:21-30 (1994)). Subsequently, based on their relative AF-1/AF-2 activity, four mechanistically distinct groups of ER-modulators were defined; full agonists (i.e. estradiol), two distinct classes of partial agonists, represented by tamoxifen and raloxifene, and the pure antagonists, of which ICI182,780 is a representative member (McDonnell et al., Mol. Endocrinol. 9:659-669 (1995); Tzukerman et al., Mol. Endocrinol. 8:21-30 (1994)). These results provide a mechanistic explanation for the observed differences in the biological activities of some ER-modulators and indicate that the mechanism by which ER operates in different tissues is not identical.

Interestingly, the agonist activity exhibited by ER-modulators, such as estrogen and tamoxifen, in these in vitro systems reflects their activity in the reproductive tracts of whole animals. This correlation does not extend to bone, however, where estradiol, tamoxifen and raloxifene, which display different degrees of AF-1/AF-2 agonist activity, all effectively protect against bone loss in the ovariectomized rat model. Thus, with the exception of the steroidal pure antiestrogens (ie, ICI182,780), all known classes of ER modulators appear to protect against bone loss in humans and relevant animal models, while they display different degrees of estrogenic activity in other tissues (Chow et al., J. Clin. Invest. 89:74-78 (1992); Love et al., New Engl. J. Med. 326:852-856 (1992); Draper et al., Biochemical Markers of Bone and Lipid Metabolism in Healthy Postmenopausal Women. In C. Christiansen and B. Biis (eds) Proceedings 1993. Fourth International Symposium on Osteoporosis and Consensus Development Conference, Handelstrykkeriet, Aalborg; Wagner et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:8739-8744 (1996); Black et al., J. Clin. Invest 93:63-69 (1994)).

A series of non-steroidal compounds that retain beneficial characteristics such as osteoprotective activity while minimizing any undesirable side effects would be most advantageous. While it is presently accepted that the pharmacophore backbone mentioned above is responsible for estrogen receptor binding specificity, it has now been discovered that certain novel estrogen binding ligands can be constructed as described herein which incorporate particular moieties onto such pharmacophore-based compounds, thereby maximizing beneficial characteristics such as osteoprotective function while minimizing undesirable characteristics such as an increased risk of cancer.

The present invention provides selective estrogen receptor modulators, which retain beneficial characteristics while minimizing undesirable side effects such as increased risk of cancer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes compounds represented by Formula (I):

wherein X, R¹-R³, and n are as defined in the claims set forth hereinbelow.

The present invention is further directed to a compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt form thereof comprising 3-[4-(6-Phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-propionic acid.

The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula (I).

In addition, the present invention is directed to a method of treating breast, uterine, ovarian, prostate, or colon cancer; osteoporosis; endometriosis; uterine fibroid; Alzheimer's disease; macular degeneration; urinary incontinence; or type II diabetes comprising: administering to a host in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to compounds of Formula (I) as selective estrogen receptor modulators:

-   -   wherein R¹ is     -   X is selected from O and CH₂;     -   Y is selected from O and NH;     -   n is 1 or 2;     -   R² is selected from H, OH, C₁₋₈alkyl, OC₁₋₈alkyl, and halo;     -   R³ is selected from H, OH, CN, nitro, C₁₋₈alkyl, OC₁₋₈alkyl, and         halo; provided that when n is 1, R³ is not OH or OC₁₋₈alkyl;     -   R⁴ is selected from H and C₁₋₄ alkyl; and the bond represented         by a broken line and a solid line is an optional double bond.

In one embodiment, R¹ is —C(═O)OH, n is 2, and X is CH₂.

In another embodiment, R¹ is —C(═O)OH, n is 2, X is CH₂ and the bond represented by a broken line and a solid line is a double bond.

In yet another embodiment, R¹ is —C(═O)OH, n is 1, X is O and the bond represented by a broken line and a solid line is a double bond.

In further embodiments of the present invention, compounds of Formula (I) include, but are not limited to, for example:

-   a)     3-{4-[6-(3-Methoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl]-phenyl}-acrylic     acid; -   b)     3-{4-[6-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl]-phenyl)-acrylic     acid; -   c)     3-{4-[6-(3-Hydroxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl]-phenyl}-acrylic     acid; -   d)     3-{4-[6-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl]-phenyl}-acrylic     acid; -   f)     3-[4-(6-Phenyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic     acid; -   g)     3-[4-(2-Hydroxy-6-phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic     acid; -   h)     3-{4-[2-Hydroxy-6-(3-hydroxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl]-phenyl}-acrylic     acid; -   i)     3-{4-[2-Hydroxy-6-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl]-phenyl}-acrylic     acid; -   r) 3-[4-(3-Phenyl-2H-chromen-4-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid; -   s) 3-[4-(2-Phenyl-3,4-dihydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid; -   t)     3-[4-(2-Phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic     acid; -   u)     3-[4-(6-Phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic     acid;

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt form thereof comprising 3-[4-(6-Phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-propionic acid.

This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions for treating breast, uterine, ovarian, prostate, and colon cancers; osteoporosis; endometriosis; uterine fibroid; Alzheimer's disease; macular degeneration; urinary incontinence; and type II diabetes.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, for example, a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) in combination with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of treating breast, uterine, ovarian, prostate, or colon cancer; osteoporosis; endometriosis; uterine fibroid; Alzheimer's disease; macular degeneration; urinary incontinence; or type II diabetes, comprising: administering to a host in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula (I).

Definitions

The compounds of the present invention may contain an asymmetrically substituted carbon atom, and may be isolated in optically active or racemic forms. It is well known in the art how to prepare optically active forms, such as by resolution of racemic forms or by synthesis from optically active starting materials. All chiral, diastereomeric, racemic forms and all geometric isomeric forms of a structure are intended, unless the specific stereochemistry or isomer form is specifically indicated.

The term “alkyl” is intended to include both branched and straight-chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having the specified number of carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, and s-pentyl. In addition, the term is intended to include both unsubstituted and substituted alkyl groups, the latter referring to alkyl moieties having one or more hydrogen substituents replaced by, but not limited to halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, alkoxy, ester, ether, cyano, phosphoryl, amino, imino, amido, sulfhydryl, alkythio, thioester, sulfonyl, nitro, heterocyclo, aryl, or heteroaryl. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that the substituted moieties themselves can be substituted as well when appropriate.

The term “haloalkyl” as used herein refers to an alkyl substituted with one or more halogens.

The terms “linear and cyclic heteroalkyl” are defined in accordance with the term “alkyl” with the suitable replacement of carbon atoms with some other atom such as nitrogen or sulfur which would render a chemically stable species.

The terms “halo” or “halogen” as used herein refer to fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.

The term “aryl” is intended to mean an aromatic cyclic or bicyclic ring structure containing from 5 to 13 ring atoms, including compounds, such as, for example phenyl, indanyl and naphthyl. In addition, the term aryl is intended to include both unsubstituted and substituted aryl groups, the latter referring to aryl moieties having one or more hydrogen substituents replaced by, for example, halogen, hydroxyl, carbonyl, alkoxy, keto, ester, ether, cyano, phosphoryl, amino, imino, amido, sulfhydryl, alkythio, thioester, sulfonyl, nitro, and/or heterocyclo.

The term “haloaryl” as used herein refers to an aryl mono, di or tri substituted with halogen atoms.

As used herein, the terms “cycloalkyl” “bicycloalkyl” “carbocycle” or “carbocyclic residue” are intended to mean any stable 3- to 7-membered monocyclic or bicyclic or 7- to 13-membered bicyclic or tricyclic, any of which may be saturated, partially unsaturated, or aromatic. Examples of such carbocycles include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, adamantyl, cyclooctyl,; [3.3.0]bicyclooctane, [4.3.0]bicyclononane, [4.4.0]bicyclodecane (decalin), [2.2.2]bicyclooctane, fluorenyl, phenyl, naphthyl, indanyl, adamantyl, or tetrahydronaphthyl (tetralin).

As used herein, the term “heterocycle” or “heterocyclic system” or “heterocyclyl” is intended to mean a stable 5- to 7-membered monocyclic or bicyclic or 7- to 10-membered bicyclic heterocyclic ring which is partially unsaturated or unsaturated (aromatic), and which consists of carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from N, O, and S and including any bicyclic group in which any of the above-defined heterocyclic rings is fused to a benzene ring. The nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized. The heterocyclic ring may be attached to its pendant group at any heteroatom or carbon atom which results in a stable structure. The heterocyclic rings described herein may be substituted on carbon or on a nitrogen atom if the resulting compound is stable. If specifically noted, a nitrogen in the heterocycle may optionally be quaternized. It is preferred that when the total number of S and O atoms in the heterocycle exceeds 1, then these heteroatoms are not adjacent to one another. It is preferred that the total number of S and o atoms in the heterocycle is not more than 1.

As used herein, the term “aromatic heterocyclic system” or “heteroaryl” is intended to mean a stable 5- to 7-membered monocyclic or bicyclic or 7- to 10-membered bicyclic heterocyclic aromatic ring which consists of carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heterotams independently selected from N, O, and S. It is preferred that the total number of S and O atoms in the aromatic heterocycle is not more than 1.

Examples of heterocycles include, but are not limited to, 1H-indazole, 2-pyrrolidonyl, 2H,6H-1,5,2-dithiazinyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, 3H-indolyl, 4-piperidonyl, 4aH-carbazole, 4H-quinolizinyl, 6H-1,2,5-thiadiazinyl, acridinyl, azocinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothiofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, benzoxazolyl, benzthiazolyl, benztriazolyl, benztetrazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzimidazalonyl, carbazolyl, 4aH-carbazolyl, b-carbolinyl, chromanyl, chromenyl, cinnolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, 2H, 6H-1,5,2-dithiazinyl, dihydrofuro[2,3-b]tetrahydrofuran, furanyl, furazanyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolyl, 1H-indazolyl, indolenyl, indolinyl, indolizinyl, indolyl, isobenzofuranyl, isochromanyl, isoindazolyl, isoindolinyl, isoindolyl, isoquinolinyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, morpholinyl, naphthyridinyl, octahydroisoquinolinyl, oxadiazolyl, 1,2,3-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,5-oxadiazolyl, 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl, oxazolidinyl., oxazolyl, oxazolidinylperimidinyl, phenanthridinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenarsazinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxathiinyl, phenoxazinyl, phthalazinyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, pteridinyl, piperidonyl, 4-piperidonyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyridooxazole, pyridoimidazole, pyridothiazole, pyridinyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, pyrrolyl, quinazolinyl, quinolinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinuclidinyl, carbolinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, 6H-1,2,5-thiadiazinyl, 1,2,3-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,5-thiadiazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl, thianthrenyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, thienothiazolyl, thienooxazolyl, thienoimidazolyl, thiophenyl, triazinyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, 1,2,5-triazolyl, 1,3,4-triazolyl, and xanthenyl. Preferred heterocycles include, but are not limited to, for example, pyridinyl, piperidinyl, furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl, 1H-indazolyl, oxazolidinyl, benzotriazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, oxindolyl, benzoxazolinyl, and isatinoyl. Also included are fused ring and spiro compounds containing, for example, the above heterocycles.

The term “heteroaryl” further includes a 5-membered or 6-membered heterocyclic aromatic group that can optionally carry a fused benzene ring and be unsubstituted or substituted.

As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refer to derivatives of the disclosed compounds wherein the parent compound is modified by making acid or base salts thereof. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, for example, mineral or organic acid salts of basic residues, such as, for example amines; and alkali or organic salts of acidic residues, such as, for example, carboxylic acids. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the conventional non-toxic salts or the quaternary ammonium salts of the parent compound formed, for example, from non-toxic inorganic or organic acids. For example, such conventional non-toxic salts include but are not limited to, for example, salts derived from inorganic acids, such as, for example, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, sulfamic, phosphoric, and nitric; and salts prepared from organic acids such as, for example, acetic, propionic, succinic, glycolic, stearic, meglumine, lysine, lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, pamoic, maleic, hydroxymaleic, phenylacetic, glutamic, benzoic, salicylic, sulfanilic, 2-acetoxybenzoic, fumaric, toluenesulfonic, methanesulfonic, ethane disulfonic, oxalic, and isethionic.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present invention can be synthesized from the parent compound which contains a basic or acidic moiety by conventional chemical methods. Generally, such salts can be prepared by reacting the free acid or base forms of these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate base or acid in water or in an organic solvent, or in a mixture of the two; generally, nonaqueous media like ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, isopropanol, or acetonitrile are preferred. Lists of suitable salts are found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 1990, p. 1445, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in it's entirety as though set forth in full.

The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” is employed herein to refer to those compounds, materials, compositions, and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of human beings and animals without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. “Prodrugs”, as the term is used herein, are intended to include any covalently bonded carriers which release an active parent drug of the present invention in vivo when such prodrug is administered to a mammalian subject. Since prodrugs are known to enhance numerous desirable qualities of pharmaceuticals (i.e., solubility, bioavailability, manufacturing, etc.) the compounds of the present invention may be delivered in prodrug form. Thus, the present invention is intended to cover prodrugs of the presently claimed compounds, methods of delivering the same, and compositions containing the same.

Prodrugs of the present invention are prepared by modifying functional groups present in the compound in such a way that the modifications are cleaved, either in routine manipulation or in vivo, to the parent compound. Prodrugs include compounds of the present invention wherein a hydroxy, amino, or sulfhydryl group is bonded to any group that, when the prodrug of the present invention is administered to a mammalian subject, it cleaves to form a free hydroxyl, free amino, or free sulfydryl group, respectively. Examples of prodrugs include, but are not limited to, for example, acetate, formate, and benzoate derivatives of alcohol and amine functional groups in the compounds of the present invention.

“Substituted” is intended to indicate that one or more hydrogens on the atom indicated in the expression using “substituted” is replaced with a selection from the indicated group(s), provided that the indicated atom's normal valency is not exceeded, and that the substitution results in a stable compound. When a substituent is keto (i.e., ═O) group, then 2 hydrogens on the atom are replaced.

For purposes of the present invention the term “substituent group” refers to R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ or any group selected from —NO₂, —NH₂, —C(═O)OH, —OH, —OC₁₋₈alkyl, —C₁₋₈alkyl, C₁₋₄alkyl, halogen, —H, and —CN.

As used herein, the term “anti cancer” or “anti-proliferative” agent includes, but is not limited to, for example, altretamine, busulfan, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, mechlorethamine, melphalan, thiotepa, cladribine, fluorouracil, floxuridine, gemcitabine, thioguanine, pentostatin, methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine, cytarabine, carmustine, lomustine, streptozotocin, carboplatin, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, iproplatin, tetraplatin, lobaplatin, JM216, JM335, fludarabine, aminoglutethimide, flutamide, goserelin, leuprolide, megestrol acetate, cyproterone acetate, tamoxifen, anastrozole, bicalutamide, dexamethasone, diethylstilbestrol, prednisone, bleomycin, dactinomycin, daunorubicin, doxirubicin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone, losoxantrone, mitomycin-c, plicamycin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, topotecan, irinotecan, 9-amino camptothecan, 9-nitro camptothecan, GS-211, etoposide, teniposide, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, procarbazine, asparaginase, pegaspargase, octreotide, estramustine, hydroxyurea, and the compounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,835, issued to Timothy Wilson on Mar. 2, 1999.

THF is an abbreviation for tetrahydrofuran; DME is an abbreviation for ethylene glycol dimethyl ether.

For purposes of the present invention the term “host” refers to mammals including humans.

Dosage and Formulation

The selective estrogen receptor modulator compounds of this invention can be administered as treatment for or prevention of cancer or other disease states by any means that produces contact of the active agent with the agent's site of action in the body of a mammal. They can be administered by any conventional means available for use in conjunction with pharmaceuticals, either as individual therapeutic agents or in combination with other compounds according to the present invention and/or other therapeutic agents, such as anti-cancer or anti-proliferative agents. When used in combination, the therapeutic agents may be administered together or separately so long as the therapeutic agents, or their active metabolites, are present in the host during an overlapping time period. The therapeutic agents can be administered alone, but preferably are administered with a pharmaceutical carrier selected on the basis of the chosen route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice.

The dosage administered will, of course, vary depending upon known factors, such as the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the particular agent and its mode and route of administration; the age, health and weight of the recipient; the nature and extent of the symptoms; the kind of concurrent treatment; the frequency of treatment; and the effect desired. A daily dosage of active ingredient can be expected to be about 0.001 to about 1000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, with the preferred dose being about 0.1 to about 30 mg/kg.

Dosage forms of compositions suitable for administration contain from about 1 mg to about 100 mg of active ingredient per unit. In these pharmaceutical compositions the active ingredient will ordinarily be present in an amount of about 0.5-95% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. The active ingredient can be administered orally in solid dosage forms, such as capsules, tablets and powders, or in liquid dosage forms, such as elixirs, syrups and suspensions. It can also be administered parenterally, in sterile liquid dosage forms.

Gelatin capsules contain the active ingredient and powdered carriers, such as lactose, starch, cellulose derivatives, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and the like. Similar diluents can be used to make compressed tablets. Both tablets and capsules can be manufactured as sustained release products to provide for continuous release of medication over a period of hours. Compressed tablets can be sugar coated or film coated to mask any unpleasant taste and protect the tablet from the atmosphere, or enteric coated for selective disintegration in the gastrointestinal tract. Liquid dosage forms for oral administration can contain coloring and flavoring to increase patient acceptance.

In general, water, a suitable oil, saline, aqueous dextrose (glucose), and related sugar solutions and glycols such as propylene glycol or polyethylene glycols are suitable carriers for parenteral solutions. Solutions for parenteral administration preferably contain a water soluble salt of the active ingredient, suitable stabilizing agents, and if necessary, buffer substances. Anti-oxidizing agents such as sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfite, or ascorbic acid, either alone or combined, are suitable stabilizing agents. Also used are citric acid and its salts, and sodium EDTA. In addition, parenteral solutions can contain preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride, methyl- or propyl-paraben and chlorobutanol. Suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 1990, a standard reference text in this field, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Synthesis

The compounds of the present invention can be prepared in a number of ways well known to one skilled in the art of organic synthesis. The compounds of the present invention can be synthesized using the methods described below, together with synthetic methods known in the art of synthetic organic chemistry, or variations thereon as appreciated by those skilled in the art. Preferred methods include, but are not limited to, those described below.

The novel compounds of this invention may be prepared using the reactions and techniques described in this section. The reactions are performed in solvents appropriate to the reagents and materials employed and are suitable for the transformations being effected. Also, in the description of the synthetic methods described below, it is to be understood that all proposed reaction conditions, including choice of solvent, reaction atmosphere, reaction temperature, duration of the experiment, and workup procedures, are chosen to be the conditions standard for that reaction, which should be readily recognized by one skilled in the art. It is understood by one skilled in the art of organic synthesis that the functionality present on various portions of the molecule must be compatible with the reagents and reactions proposed. Such restrictions to the substituents which are compatible with the reaction conditions will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art and alternate methods must then be used. Isolation of the desired compounds of this invention can be achieved using standard chromatographic techniques known to those skilled in the art.

Depending on the structure of the final product, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that protecting groups or precursor functionality convertible to the desired groups may be desirable. Protecting groups and their use in synthesis are described in Green and Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, (Wiley 1991), hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Substituted acrylic acids V are prepared from substituted 1,2-dihydronaphthalene I or substituted dihydro benzocycloheptene I in four steps : 1) Heck coupling, 2) halogenation, 3) Suzuki coupling, and 4) hydrolysis.

1. Heck Coupling Reaction.

Substituted 1,2-dihydro-naphthalene I or substituted dihydro benzocycloheptene I (X is halo, tosylate, mesylate, or triflate) is coupled with a methyl acrylate ester in the presence of a palladium catalyst and a base to form benzocyclohexene or dihydro benzocycloheptene II.

Solvents for the Heck reaction are well known to the skilled artisan and include, but are not limited to, for example, amides, such as, for example, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, and N-methylpyrrolidone); nitrites, such as, for example, acetonitrile, propionitrile, and butyronitrile; ethers, such as, for example, dimethoxyethane and tetrahydrofuran; and hydrocarbons, such as, for example, cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, and xylene.

Palladium catalysts suitable for the Heck coupling reaction include, but are not limited to, for example, Pd(OAc)₂, PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂, and Pd₂(dba)₃.

Bases which are useful in the Heck reaction include, but are not limited to, for example, alkaline metal carbonates and hydrogen carbonates, alkaline metal acetates, alkaline metal phosphates, and tertiary amines. Examples of bases for the Heck coupling reaction include, but are not limited to, for example, TEA, PMP (1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidine), Na₂CO₃, Ag₂CO₃ , and NaHCO₃. In one embodiment, the base is a tertiary amine.

After the reaction is complete, the catalyst may be obtained as a solid and separated off by filtration. The crude product is freed of the solvent or the solvents and is subsequently purified by methods known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, by chromatography.

Dihydro benzocycloheptene II can be prepared in accordance with the process set forth at page 638-642 of J. Chem. Soc. B, 1969, wherein pages 683-643 of said reference are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

2. Halogenation

Halogenation of benzocyclohexene or dihydro benzocycloheptene II can be performed by employing a variety of electrophilic halogenating reagents such as pyridinium bromide perbromide or NBS to afford halo benzocyclohexene and halo dihydro benzocycloheptene III. Halogenation reactions are well known to those skilled in the art and are described in the chemical literature. See for example: Larock, R. C. Comprehensive Organic Transformations, VCH Publishers, New York, 1989, hereby incorporated herein by reference..

3. Suzuki Coupling Reaction

Suzuki coupling of halo benzocyclohexene or halo dihydro benzocycloheptene III with boronic acid (R⁶-Ph)B(OH)₂ in the presence of a palladium catalyst and a base provides bis-aryl substituted benzocyclohexene or bis-aryl substituted dihydro benzocycloheptene IV. Suitable solvents for the coupling include, but not limited to, for example, THF, H₂O, DMSO, Et₂O, toluene, DMF, dioxane, ethanol, and i-PrOH, or a combination of two or more of these solvents. The palladium catalyst that may be used includes, but is not limited to, for example, [(C₆H₅)₃P]₄Pd; [(C₆H₅)₃P]₂PdCl₂; PdCl₂(dppf); and Pd(OAc)₂. The bases that may be used include, but are not limited to, for example, TEA; KOH; TlOH; Na₂CO₃; Cs₂CO₃; and K₂CO₃. See, for example, Miyaura, N., Suzuki, A. Chem. Rev. 1995, 95, 2457-2483; Suzuki, A., J. Organometallic Chem. 1999, 576, 147-168; and Suzuki, A. in Metal-catalyzed Cross-coupling Reactions, Diederich, F., and Stang, P. J., Eds., Wiley-VCH: New York, 1998, 49-97, wherein the specifically identified pages of each reference are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

4. Hydrolysis.

The bis-aryl substituted benzocyclohexene or bis-aryl substituted dihydro benzocycloheptene IV is converted to the substituted acrylic acid V via a standard hydrolysis reaction. The bases that may be used include, but are not limited to, for example, hydroxides or carbonates in an ether, alcohol, or aqueous alcohol; and aqueous ether solvent systems. See Larock, R. C., Comprehensive Organic Transformations, VCH Publishers, New York, 1989, hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Acrylic acid IX can be prepared from substituted 2H-chromene VI using a reaction sequence similar to that of Scheme 1 with the following modifications. First, the halogenation and suzuki coupling steps can be eliminated because the phenyl bearing substituent R⁶ is already present in the starting material 2H-chromene VI. Second, the OH group of 2H-chromene VI needs to be converted to a tosylate, mesylate or triflate to facilitate the subsequent coupling reaction. As a result, substituted 2H-chromene VI can be converted to acrylic acid IX in the following three steps: 1) aryl-X coupling partner VII prepared for subsequent Heck reaction, e.g. trifluoromethanesulfonyl ester, 2) Heck coupling reaction, and 3) hydrolysis. Preparing trifluoromethanesulfonyl ester VII from phenol VI (step 1) is well known in the literature. See: Larock, R. C. Comprehensive Organic Transformations, VCH Publishers, New York, 1989, hereby incorporated herein by reference. Aryl-OTf VII can be transformed to acrylic acid IX (steps 2-3) in accordance with steps 1 and 4 of Scheme 1 as already described hereinabove.

Scheme 3: General Synthesis of Tetrahydronaphthalenes and Tetrahydrobenzocycloheptenes

EXAMPLES

The invention can be further understood by the following examples. Other features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art during the following description and exemplary embodiments that are given for illustration and are not intended to be limiting thereof.

Example I Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-methanesulfonamide 1b

Procedure 1, Method A.

To a solution of 3-[4-(Z)-(1,2-diphenylbut-1-enyl)phenyl]-acrylic acid (1a) (666 mg, 1.87 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) was added methanesulfonamide (711 mg, 7.47 mmol), 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC)(540 mg, 2.82 mmol), and 4-dimethylaminopyridine(344 mg, 2.82 mmol). After stirring overnight the mixture was acidified with 1N HCl, and was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed (silica gel, 5% methanol/CH₂Cl₂) to give the acylsulfonamide (1b) as a white solid (695 mg, 86%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.61 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 7.39-7.09 (m, 12H), 6.91 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.23 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 3.34 (s, 3H), 2.48 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.94 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H) ; ESI m/z: 430 (M−H⁻, 100%).

EXAMPLE II Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-benzenesulfonamide 1c

Prepared from the coupling of 1a and benzene sulfonamide by the method described in Procedure 1, Method A. Yield (76%); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.41 (br. s, 1H), 8.08 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.65-7.07 (m, 16H), 6.86 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.23 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.46 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.92 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H) ; ESI m/z: 492 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example III Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-C-phenyl-methanesulfonamide 1d

Prepared from the coupling of 1a and toluene sulfonamide by the method described in Procedure 1, Method A. Yield (61%); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.59 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 7.39-7.10 (m, 17H), 6.90 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.13 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 4.68 (s, 2H), 2.48 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.94 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H) ; ESI m/z: 506 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example IV Preparation of intermediate 3-[4-(8,9-Dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid methyl ester 2b

To a solution of 9-(4-bromophenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-benzocycloheptene (2a, compound I, R³═H, X═Br, n=2) (12.38 g, 41 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) was added methyl acrylate (38.2 g, 444 mmol), triethylamine (29.0 g, 286 mmol), and bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) chloride (7.0 g, 10.0 mmol). The mixture was placed in a pressure bottle and heated at 100° C. for 4 days. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed (silica gel, 7.5 to 15% EtOAc/hexanes) to give the ester (2b) as a white solid (11.4 g, 90%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.69 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.24 (m, 5H), 6.98 (m, 1H), 6.52 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 6.43 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 2.65 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.17 (m, 2H), 1.98 (m, 2H); APcI m/z: 346 (M+H+CH₃CN⁺, 100%).

Example V Preparation of intermediate 3-[4-(6-Bromo-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid methyl ester 2c

To a solution of the olefin (2b) (5.44 g, 17.9 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (300 mL) at 0° C. was added pyridinium bromide perbromide (90%, 7.0 g, 19.6 mmol) in portions over 0.5 h. After stirring 1 h the solution was washed with water, sat. NaHSO₃, water and was dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give the bromide (2c) as an oil (6.85 g, 100%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.69 (d, J=16.1 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.20 (m, 5H), 6.80 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 6.43 (d, J=16.1 Hz, 1H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 2.79 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.60 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.30 (m, 2H); APcI m/z: 424 (M+H+CH₃CN⁺, 100%).

Example VI Preparation of intermediate 3-[4-(6-Phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid methyl ester 2d

To a solution of the bromide (2c) (6.85 g, 17.9 mmol) in DME (125 mL) was added benzene boronic acid (3.25 g, 26.8 mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (2.1 g, 1.8 mmol), and 2 N aqueous sodium carbonate(13.5 mL). After refluxing overnight the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed (silica gel, 7.5 EtOAc/hexanes to 100% EtOAc) followed by recrystalization from EtOAc to give (2d) as a white solid (4.24 g, 62%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.58 (d, J=16.1 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (m, 10H), 6.92 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.85 (dd, J=7.3, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 6.32 (d, J=16.1 Hz, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 2.82 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.40 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.20 (m, 2H); APcI m/z: 422 (M+H+CH₃CN⁺, 100%).

Example VII Preparation of 3-[4-(6-Phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzo-cyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid 2e

To a solution of ester (2d) (4.2 g, 11.0 mmol) in methanol (370 mL) and THF (225 mL) was added 1N KOH (188 mL). After stirring overnight the mixture was heated to 50° C. for 0.5 h and was allowed to cool to room temperature. After stirring 2 h the solvent was partially removed under reduced pressure, the mixture was acidified with 1 N HCl, and was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with water, brine and were dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was triturated (EtOAc) to give the acid (2e) as a white solid (3.86 g, 96%): ¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 7.54 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 6.28 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.27-7.08 (m, 8H), 6.89 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.76 (dd, J=7.3, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 6.34 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.83 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.37 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.14 (m, 2H); ESI m/z: 365 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example VIII Preparation of N-{3-[4-(6-phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzo-cyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-methanesulfonamide 2f

Prepared from the coupling of 2e and methylsulfonamide by the method described in Procedure 1, Method A. Yield (68%); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.66 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (m, 10H), 6.95 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.84 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 6.28 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 3.36 (s, 3H), 2.82 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.41 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.19 (m, 2H); ESI m/z: 442 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example IX Preparation of N-{3-[4-(6-phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzo-cyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-benzenesulfonamide 2g

Prepared from the coupling of 2e and benzene sulfonamide by the method described in Procedure 1, Method A. Yield (70%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 12.25 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 7.66 (m, 3H), 7.42 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 7.34-7.14 (m, 10H), 6.88 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.72 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 6.48 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.79 (m, 2H), 2.28 (m, 2H) , 2.09 (m, 2H) ; ESI m/z: 504 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example X C-Phenyl-N-(3-[4-(6-phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzo-cyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-methanesulfonamide 2h

Prepared from the coupling of 2e and toluene sulfonamide by the method described in Procedure 1, Method A. Yield (58%); ESI m/z: 518 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example XI Preparation of intermediate 3-[4-(3,4-dihydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid methyl ester 2j

Prepared from the Heck coupling of 4-(4-bromophenyl)-1,2-dihydro-naphthalene (2i, compound I, R³═H, X═Br, and n=1) and methyl acrylate in accordance with the general method described in Example IV (J. Chem. Soc. B, 1969, 638-643). Yield 74%; APcI m/z: 332 (M+H+CH₃CN⁺, 100%).

Example XII Preparation of intermediate 3-[4-(2-bromo-3,4-dihydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid methyl ester 2k

Prepared by brominating 2j in accordance with the general method described in Example V. Yield 100%; APcI m/z: 410 (M+H+CH₃CN⁺, 100%).

Example XIII Preparation of intermediate 3-[4-(2-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid methyl ester 21

Prepared by coupling 2k and benzene boronic acid, (R⁶-Ph)B(OH)₂ where R⁶═H, in accordance with the general method described in Example VI. Yield 50%; APcI m/z: 408 (M+H+CH₃CN⁺, 100%).

Example XIV Preparation of intermediate 3-[4-(2-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid 2m

Prepared by saponifying ester 21 in accordance with the general method described in Example VII. Yield (77%). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 12.34 (s, 1H) , 7.52 (m, 3H), 7.23-7.00 (m, 10H), 6.53 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 1H), 6.45 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.91 (br t, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), 2.71 (br t, J=7.9 Hz, 2H) ; ESI m/z: 351 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example XV Preparation of N-{3-[4-(2-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-methanesulfonamide 2n

Prepared by coupling 2m and methylsulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. Yield (57%); ESI m/z: 428 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example XVI Preparation of N-{3-[4-(2-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-benzenesulfonamide 2o

Prepared by coupling of 2m and benzene sulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. Yield (65%); ESI m/z: 490 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example XVII Preparation of intermediate trifluoro-methanesulfonic acid 4-(3-phenyl-2H-chromen-4-yl)-phenyl ester 3b

To a solution of 4-(3-phenyl-2H-chromen-4-yl)-phenol (Justus Liebigs Ann. Chem. 1971, 744, 164-177.)(3a, compound VI, R³═H and R⁶═H) (3.18 g, 10.58 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) at 0° C. was added pyridine (2.09 g, 26.5 mmol) followed by trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride(3.68 g, 13.2 mmol). The solution was stirred 15 min and allowed to warm to room temperature. After stirring 2 h the mixture was diluted with water, and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers were washed with water, brine and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue chromatographed (silica gel, 7.5% EtOAc/hexanes) to give the triflate 3b (compound VII, R³═H and R⁶═H) as a white solid (4.0 g, 88%); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.18 (m, 8H), 6.93 (m, 3H), 6.86 (dt, J=7.5, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 6.75 (dd, J=7.9, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 5.10 (s, 2H); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ −73.15.

Example XVIII Preparation of intermediate 3-[4-(3-phenyl-2H-chromen-4-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid methyl ester 3c

Prepared by the Heck coupling of 3b and methyl acrylate in accordance with the general method described in Example IV. Yield (94%); APcI m/z: 410 (M+H+CH₃CN⁺, 100%).

Example XIX Preparation of intermediate 3-[4-(3-phenyl-2H-chromen-4-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid 3d

Prepared by saponifying (hydrolyzing) ester 3c in accordance with the general method described in Example VII. Yield (86%); ESI m/z: 353 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example XX Preparation of N-{3-[4-(3-phenyl-2H-chromen-4-yl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-methanesulfonamide 3e

Prepared by coupling 3d and methylsulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. Yield (35%); ESI m/z: 430 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example XXI Preparation of N-{3-[4-(3-phenyl-2H-chromen-4-yl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-benzenesulfonamide 3f

Prepared by coupling 3d and benzene sulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. Yield (46%); ESI m/z: 492 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example XXII Preparation of intermediate 3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acrylonitrile 4b

A suspension of potassium hydroxide (85%, 260 mg, 3.9 mmol) in CH₃CN (25 mL) was heated to reflux and (Z)-1,2-Diphenyl-1-(4-formylphenyl)-1-butene (4a) (Willson J. Med. Chem. 1994, 37, 1550-1552) (1.0 g, 3.18 mmol) was added in portions. After refluxing 5 min the mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with water, brine and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue chromatographed (silica gel, 15% EtOAc/hexanes) to give the nitrile (4b) as a white solid (616 mg, 57%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.39-7.07 (m, 13H), 6.91 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 5.69 (d, J=16.9 Hz, 1H), 2.48 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.94 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); HRMS calcd. for C₂₅H₂₁N (M+H⁺) 335.1674; found 335.1679.

Example XXIII Preparation of 5-{2-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-vinyl}-1H-tetrazole 4c

To a solution of aluminum chloride (1.82 g, 13.5 mmol) in THF (20 mL) at 0° C. was added sodium azide (1.77 g, 27 mmol) then nitrile (4b) (888 mg, 2.65 mmol). The mixture was stirred 10 min and heated to reflux. After refluxing overnight the mixture was diluted with 1N HCl, and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with water, brine and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue chromatographed (silica gel, 10-20% methanol/CH₂Cl₂) to give the tetrazole (4c) as a white solid (700 mg, 70%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.63 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.39-7.11 (m, 12H), 6.98 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 2.48 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.94 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H) ; ESI m/z: 377 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example XXIV Preparation of intermediate trifluoro-methanesulfonic acid 4-(6-phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl ester 5b

To a solution of 6,7-dihydro-8-phenyl-9-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5H-benzocycloheptene (J. Med. Chem. 1986, 29, 2053-2059) (5a, R³═H, R⁶═H) (500 mg, 1.60 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL) at 0° C. was added pyridine (316 mg, 4.0 mmol) followed by trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride(560 mg, 2.0 mmol). The solution was stirred 30 min, diluted with water, and subsequently extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers were washed with water, brine and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue chromatographed (silica gel, 7.5% EtOAc/hexanes) to give the triflate (5b, R³═H, R⁶═H) as a white solid (665 mg, 94%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.30-7.09 (m, 12H), 6.82 (dd, J=7.3, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 2.81 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.40 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.20 (m, 2H).

Example XXV Preparation of intermediate 3-[4-(6-phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acrylonitrile 5c

To a solution of the triflate (5b) (560 mg, 1.25 mmol) in DMF (6 mL) was added acrylonitrile (2.10 g, 39.6 mmol), triethylamine (2.90 g, 28.6 mmol), and bis(triphenyl-phosphine)palladium(II) chloride (700 mg, 1.0 mmol). The mixture was placed in a pressure bottle and heated at 100° C. for 4 days. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed (silica gel, 15% EtOAc/hexanes) to give the nitrile (5c) as a white solid (199 mg, 46%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.30-7.13 (m, 11H), 6.94 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J=7.3, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 5.75 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 2.81 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.40 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.19 (m, 2H).

Example XXVI Preparation of 5-{2-[4-(6-phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-vinyl}-1H-tetrazole 5d

To a solution of aluminum chloride (175 mg, 1.31 mmol) in THF (4 mL) at 0° C. was added sodium azide (170 mg, 2.61 mmol) then nitrile (5c) (133 mg, 0.38 mmol). The mixture was stirred 10 min and heated to reflux. After refluxing 5 h, the mixture was diluted with 1N HCl, and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with water and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue chromatographed (silica gel, 10-20% methanol/CH₂Cl₂)to give tetrazole(5d) as a white solid (84 mg, 56%): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃)δ 7.49 (d, J=16.8 Hz, 1H),7.34-7.06 (m, 12H), 6.91 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.79 (dd, J=7.3, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 2.84 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.38 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.16 (m, 2H) ; ESI m/z: 389 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example XXVII Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-C,C,C-trifluoro-methanesulfonamide 1e

Procedure 1, Method B.

To a solution of 1a (0.20 g, 0.564 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (3 mL) were added trifluoromethanesulfonamide (0.236 g, 1.58 mmol), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (0.104 g, 0.851 mmol), and 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (0.162 g, 0.851 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 24 hours, PS-Trisamine resin (0.600 mg) was added and stirring continued for one hour. The resin was collected by vacuum filtration and washed with 5% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂. The resin was treated with 5% TFA in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) and collected by vacuum filtration. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to yield sulfonamide(1e) as a pale yellow solid (0.041 mg, 15%): ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 7.38-7.09 (m, 13H), 6.79 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.29 (d, J=15.8 Hz, 1H), 2.35 (q, J=7.4 Hz), 0.82 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z=484.2 (M−H⁻).

Example XXVIII Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-2-nitro-benzenesulfonamide 1f

Prepared by coupling 1a and 2-nitrobenzenesulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (22%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 8.18 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 1H), 7.94-7.84 (m, 2H), 7.44-7.08 (m, 13H), 6.86 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.50 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.36 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 539 (M+H⁺).

Example XXIX Preparation N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-3-nitro-benzenesulfonamide 1g

Prepared by coupling la and 3-nitrobenzenesulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. Yield (14%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 8.59 (t, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 8.47 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 8.30 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H) 7.87 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.38-7.07 (m, 13H), 6.83 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.38 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.35 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 0.81 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 537 (M−H⁻).

Example XXX Preparation N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-4-nitro-benzenesulfonamide 1h

Prepared by coupling la and 4-nitrobenzenesulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. Yield (32%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 8.33 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 8.08 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.07 (m, 13H), 6.82 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.35 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.35 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.81 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APCI m/z: 538 (M⁺).

Example XXXI Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-2-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonamide 1i

Prepared by coupling 1a and 2-(trifluoromethyl) benzenesulfonamide (Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (14%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 12.49 (br s, 1H), 7.98-7.90 (m, 3H), 7.39-7.08 (m, 13H), 6.85 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.47 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.36 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 562 (M+H⁺)

Example XXXII Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-3-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonamide 1j

Prepared by coupling 1a and 3-(trifluoromethyl) benzenesulfonamide (Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (35%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 8.22-8.08 (m, 3H), 7.86 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.07 (m, 13H), 6.84 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.40 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.35 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 562 (M+H⁺).

Example XXXIII Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonamide 1k

Prepared by coupling of 1a and 4-(trifluoromethyl) benzenesulfonamide (Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (18%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 12.46 (br s, 1H), 8.11 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.99 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.07 (m, 13H), 6.84 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.40 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.35 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.81 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 562 (M+H⁺)

Example XXXIV Preparation of 4-cyano-N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-benzenesulfonamide 1l

Prepared by coupling 1a and 4-cyanobenzenesulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (21%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 8.09-8.03 (m, 4H), 7.94 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.07 (m, 12H), 6.84 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.40 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.35 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 519 (M+H⁺).

Example XXXV Preparation of 2-chloro-N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-benzenesulfonamide 1m

Prepared by coupling 1a and 2-chlorobenzenesulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (19%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 12.56 (s, 1H), 8.09 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.69-7.53 (m, 3H), 7.39-7.08 (m, 13H), 6.85 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.47 (d, J=15.8 Hz, 1H), 2.36 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 528 (M+H⁺).

Example XXXVI Preparation of 3-chloro-N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-benzenesulfonamide 1n

Prepared by coupling 1a and 3-chlorobenzenesulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (25%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 12.36 (s, 1H), 7.88-7.76 (m, 3H), 7.63 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.07 (m, 13H), 6.84 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.40 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.36 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H) ; APcI m/z: 527 (M−H⁻).

Example XXXVII Preparation of 4-chloro-N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-benzenesulfonamide 1o

Prepared by coupling la and 4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (22%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 12.31 (br s, 1H), 7.90 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.66 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.39-7.07 (m, 13H), 6.84 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.40 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.35 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 527 (M−H⁻).

Example XXXVIII Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-2-methyl-benzenesulfonamide 1p

Prepared by coupling 1a and o-toluenesulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (37%); ¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ 11.63 (br s, 1H), 7.54 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 2H), 7.39-7.09 (m, 15H), 6.87 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.81 (s, 1H), 6.41 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 3.02-2.73 (s, 3H), 2.37 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.83 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 508 (M+H⁺).

Example XXXIX Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-3-methyl-benzenesulfonamide 1q

Prepared by coupling 1a and m-toluenesulfonamide (Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (24%); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.86 (m, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.07 (m, 14H), 6.86 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.27 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.47 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 0.93 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APCI m/z: 508 (M+H⁺).

Example XL Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-4-methyl-benzenesulfonamide 1r

Prepared by coupling 1a and p-toluenesulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (42%); ¹H NMR (CD₃ OD) δ 7.87 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.37-7.08 (m, 15H), 6.87 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 6.32 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.44 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 0.89 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 508 (M+H⁺).

Example XLI Preparation of 4-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloylsulfamoyl}-benzoic acid methyl ester 1s

Prepared by coupling la and p-carboxybenzenesulfonamide methyl ester (Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (25%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 8.13 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 8.03 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.39-7.07 (m, 13H), 6.84 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.40 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 2.36 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 0.82 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 552 (M+H⁺).

Example XLII Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-4-methoxy-benzenesulfonamide 1t

Prepared by coupling la and 4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (24%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 12.04 (br s, 1H), 7.83 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.07 (m, 15H), 6.84 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.39 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 2.35 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 525 (M+H⁺).

Example XLIII Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-3-methoxy-benzenesulfonamide 1u

Prepared by coupling la and 3-methoxybenzenesulfonamide (Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B describe hereinabove. Yield (27%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 12.18 (br s, 1H), 7.53-7.07 (m, 17H), 6.84 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.40 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 2.35 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 522 (M−H⁻).

Example XLIV Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-4-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide 1v

Prepared by treating 1t with boron tribromide (3 eq) in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature. Yield (29%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 11.95 (br s, 1H), 10.57 (s, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.07 (m, 13H), 6.85 (t, J=8.8 Hz, 4H), 6.38 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.36 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 510 (M+H⁺).

Example XLV Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-3-hydroxy-benzenesulfonamide 1w

Prepared by treating 1t with boron tribromide (3 eq) in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature. Yield (57%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 12.15 (br s, 1H), 10.19 (s, 1H), 7.41-7.02 (m, 17H), 6.86 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.42 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.37 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 0.83 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 510 (M+H⁺)

Example XLVI Preparation of 3-chloro-propane-1-sulfonic acid {3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-amide 1x

Prepared by coupling la and 3-chloropropanesulfonamide (Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. Yield (80%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 11.82 (br s, 1H), 7.48 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.09 (m, 12H), 6.87 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.46 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 3.71 (t, 2H), 3.52 (t, 2H), 2.37 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.07 (p, 2H), 0.83 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 492 (M−H⁻).

Example XLVII

Preparation of (4-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloylsulfamoyl}-phenyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester 1y

Prepared by coupling 1a and 4-BOC sulfanilamide (Heterocycles, 1996, 2741; Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. Yield (67%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 12.02 (br s, 1H), 9.86 (s, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.60 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.08 (m, 13H), 6.83 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.38 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.36 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.44 (s, 9H), 0.82 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 607 (M−H⁻).

Example XLVIII Preparation of 3-Piperidin-1-yl-propane-1-sulfonic acid {3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-amide 1z

Prepared by coupling 1x and piperidine (15 eq)in tetrahydrofuran at reflux. 1z was then precipitated from a mixture of ethyl acetate and 1N HCl as the HCl salt. Yield (60%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 11.90 (br s, 1H), 7.47 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.09 (m, 12H), 6.87 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 2H), 6.53 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 3.08 (br, 2H), 2.95 (br, 1H), 2.81 (br, 2H), 2.37 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.08 (br, 2H), 1.71 (br, 6H), 1.62 (br, 1H), 0.83 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APCI m/z: 541 (M−H⁻).

Example XLIX Preparation of 4-amino-N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-benzenesulfonamide 1aa

Prepared by treating 1y with trifluoroacetic acid (50% in CH₂Cl₂) . Yield (92%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 11.71 (br s, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.07 (m, 13H), 6.83 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.55 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.37 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.35 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.44 (s, 9H), 0.82 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 507 (M−H⁻).

Example L Preparation of ethanesulfonic acid {3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-amide 1bb

Prepared by coupling la and ethanesulfonamide (Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (25%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 11.67 (br s, 1H), 7.47 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.09 (m, 12H), 6.86 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.47 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 3.37 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.36 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.16 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H), 0.83 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 444 (M−H⁻)

Example LI Preparation of 4-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloylsulfamoyl}-N,N-dimethyl-benzamide 1cc

Prepared by coupling 1aa with N,N-dimethylglycine (2.8 eq) using 4-dimethylaminopyridine (1.5 eq) and 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (1.5 eq)in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature. 1cc was then isolated as the HCL salt. Yield (28%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 10.26 (br s, 1H), 7.76 (q, J=8.5 Hz, 4H), 7.38-7.08 (m, 13H), 6.81 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.34 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 3.35 (br s, 2H), 2.39-2.35 (m, 8H), 0.82 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 594 (M+H⁺).

Example LII Preparation of propane-2-sulfonic acid {3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-amide 1dd

Prepared by coupling 1a and isopropylsulfonamide (Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (13%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 11.60 (br s, 1H), 7.46 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.09 (m, 12H), 6.86 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.48 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 3.64 (m, 1H), 2.37 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.23 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 6H), 0.83 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 460 (M+H⁺)

Example LIII Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-methanesulfonamide 1ee

Prepared by coupling 1a and [(4-fluorophenyl)methyl-sulfonamide (Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (32%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 11.63 (br s, 1H), 7.53 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 7.40-7.10 (m, 16H), 6.87 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.41 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 4.72 (s, 2H), 2.37 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 0.83 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 526 (M+H⁺)

Example LIV Preparation of 4-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloylsulfamoyl}-benzoic acid 1ff

Prepared by hydrolyzing 1s using 4N aq sodium hydroxide (2 eq) in 4:1 dioxane/methanol at room temperature. Yield (82%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 13.48 (br s, 1H), 12.36 (br s, 1H), 8.10 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 8.02 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.39-7.07 (m, 13H), 6.84 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.41 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.35 (q, J=7.7 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 538 (M+H⁺).

Example LV Preparation of N-(4-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloylsulfamoyl}-phenyl)-acetamide 1gg

Prepared by acylating 1aa with acetyl chloride (1.3 eq) in refluxing tetrahydrofuran using triethylamine (2.6 eq) as base. Yield (81%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 12.06 (br s, 1H), 10.35 (br s, 1H), 7.82 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.73 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.07 (m, 13H), 6.84 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.39 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.35 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 0.82 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); APCI m/z: 551 (M+H⁺)

Example LVI Preparation of 2,2,2-trifluoro-ethanesulfonic acid {3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-amide 1hh

Prepared by coupling 1a and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanesulfonamide (Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. Yield (34%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 7.39-7.01 (m, 13H), 6.83 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.40 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.85 (s, 1H), 2.69 (s, 1H), 2.36 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.83 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); ESI m/z: 498 (M−H⁻).

Example LVII Preparation of thiophene-2-sulfonic acid {3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-amide 1ii

Prepared by coupling 1a and 2-thiophenesulfonamide (Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. Yield (27%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 12.34 (br s, 1H), 7.99 (m, 1H), 7.76 (m, 1H), 7.39-7.08 (m, 14H), 6.85 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.41 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.36 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 500 (M+H⁺)

Example LVIII Preparation of N-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-C-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-methanesulfonamide 1jj

Prepared by coupling 1a and [(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-methyl]sulfonamide (Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (11%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 11.69 (br s, 1H), 7.74 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.57-7.09 (m, 15H), 6.87 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.41 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 4.86 (s, 2H), 2.37 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.83 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 576 (M+H⁺)

Example LIX Preparation of 4-{3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloylsulfamoyl}-N-methyl-benzamide 1kk

Prepared by coupling 1ff and methylamine hydrochloride (2.5 eq) in the presence of BOP reagent (2.2 eq) and 4-methylmorpholine (1.5 eq) using N,N-dimethylformamide as solvent. Yield (32%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 13.48 (br s, 1H), 8.63 (q, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (s, 4H), 7.37-7.07 (m, 13H), 6.84 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.40 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.75 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 3H), 2.35 (q, J=7.7 Hz, 2H), 0.84 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 549 (M−H⁻).

Example LX Preparation of benzothiazole-2-sulfonic acid {3-[4-(1,2-diphenyl-but-1-enyl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-amide 1ll

Prepared by coupling 1a and 2-benzothiazolesulfonamide (J Org Chem, 1958, 1768) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. Yield (52%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 8.07 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.53-7.05 (m, 15H), 6.78 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.27 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.35 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.82 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); APcI m/z: 551 (M+H⁺)

Example LXI Preparation of 3-chloro-propane-1-sulfonic acid {3-[4-(6-phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-amide 2i

Prepared by coupling 2e and 3-chloropropanesulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. Yield (65%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 11.83 (s, 1H), 7.54 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 7.34-7.09 (m, 10H), 6.87 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.70 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 6.51 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 3.72 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.54 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.77 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.26 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.08 (m, 4H); APCI m/z: 504 (M−H⁻).

Example LXII Preparation of C,C,C-trifluoro-N-{3-[4-(6-phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-methanesulfonamide 2j

Prepared by coupling 2e and trifluoromethanesulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method B described hereinabove. Yield (12%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 8.93 (br s, 2H), 7.31-7.07 (m, 9H), 6.80 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.72 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 6.35 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 2.76 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.26 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.07 (m, 2H); APcI m/z: 496 (M−H⁻)

Example LXIII Preparation of 3-piperidin-1-yl-propane-1-sulfonic acid {3-[4-(6-phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-amide 2k

Prepared by coupling 2i and piperidine (15 eq)in tetrahydrofuran at reflux. The product was isolated as the HCL salt. Yield (70%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 11.90 (br s, 1H), 7.53 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 7.34-7.10 (m, 12H), 6.88 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.70 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 6.55 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 3.52 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 3.09 (br, 2H), 2.77 (br m, 4H), 2.26 (br t, 2H), 2.08 (br, 4H), 1.71 (br, 5H); APcI m/z: 555 (M+H⁺).

Example LXIV Preparation of C-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-N-{3-[4-(6-phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-methanesulfonamide 2l

Prepared by coupling 2e and 4-(fluorophenyl)-methylsulfonamide (Synlett, 1997, 375) in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. Yield (61%); ¹H NMR (d₆-DMSO) δ 11.64 (br s, 1H), 7.58 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 7.33-7.11 (m, 14H), 6.88 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.70 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 6.45 (d, J=15.7 Hz, 1H), 4.72 (s, 2H), 2.77 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.26 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.08 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H); APcI m/z: 538 (M+H⁺).

Example LXV Preparation of 4-(6-Methoxy-2-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenol 6b

6a is prepared according to the method described on pages 172-176 of Vol. 9 J. Med. Chem 1966. A suspension of 6a (829 mg, 2.52 mmol) and 20% Pd(OH)₂/C (500 mg) in ethanol (100 mL) was stirred 2 days under an atmosphere of hydrogen. The mixture was filtered through Celite and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give cis-tetrahydronaphtahalene 6b as a white solid (834 mg, 100%): ESI m/z: 329 (M−H⁻).

Example LXVI Preparation of Trifluoro-methanesulfonic acid 4-(6-methoxy-2-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl ester 6c

Prepared from 6b in accordance with the general method described in Example XVII. Yield (81%); ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃) δ 73.21.

Example LXVII Preparation of 3-[4-(6-Methoxy-2-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid methyl ester 6d

Prepared by Heck coupling 6c and methyl acrylate in accordance with the general method described in Example IV. Yield (83%); APcI m/z: 440 (M+H+CH₃CN⁺, 100%).

Example LXVIII Preparation of 3-[4-(6-Methoxy-2-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid 6e

Prepared by saponifying (hydrolyzing) ester 6d in accordance with the general method described in Example VII. Yield (93%); APcI m/z: 426 (M+H+CH₃CN⁺, 100%).

Example LXIX Preparation of 3-[4-(6-Hydroxy-2-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid 6f

To a solution of ether 6e (120 mg, 0.312 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (12 mL) at 0° C. was added 1M boron tribromide in CH₂Cl₂ (4 mL). The mixture was stirred for 1.5 h at room temperature and then quenched with ice/H₂O. After stirring for 2 h, the mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers were washed with water and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue chromatographed (silica gel, 10-20% methanol/CH₂Cl₂)to give phenol 6f as a white solid (45 mg, 39%): ESI m/z: 369 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example LXX Resolution of 3-[4-(6-Hydroxy-2-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid 6g, 6h

Resolution of 6f of Example LXIX: The 2 enantiomers 6g and 6h were isolated by a preparative chiral HPLC of 6f. (Chiralcel OD column, trifluoroacetic acid/CH₃CN::1/1000 elutant).

Example LXXI Preparation of Trifluoro-methanesulfonic acid 4-(2-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl ester 7b

7a is prepared according to the procedure set forth on pages 138-144 of Vol. 10 J. Med. Chem 1967. 7b is then prepared from 7a in accordance with the general method described in Example XVII. Yield (95%);¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.28-6.75 (m, 11H), 6.48 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 4.36 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 1H), 3.44 (m, 1H), 3.11 (m, 2H), 2.12 (m, 1H), 1.90 (m, 1H).

Example LXXII Preparation of 3-[4-(2-Phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid methyl ester 7c

Prepared by Heck coupling 7b and methyl acrylate in accordance with the general method described in Example IV. Yield (76%); APcI m/z: 410 (M+H+CH₃CN⁺, 100%).

Example LXXIII Preparation of 3-[4-(2-Phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid 7d

Prepared by saponifying (hydrolyzing) ester 7c in accordance with the general method described in Example VII. Yield (86%); ESI m/z: 353 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example LXXIV Preparation of N-{3-[4-(2-Phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-methanesulfonamide 7e

Prepared by coupling 7d and methylsulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. Yield (56%); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.63 (d, J=15.4 Hz, 1H), 7.14 (m, 8H), 6.83 (m, 3H), 6.46 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.26 (d, J=15.4 Hz, 1H), 4.37 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 3.46 (m, 1H), 3.34 (s, 3H), 3.13 (m, 2H), 2.16 (m, 1H) , 1.88 (m, 1H) ; ESI m/z: 430 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example LXXV Preparation of N-{3-[4-(2-Phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acryloyl}-benzenesulfonamide 7f

Prepared by coupling 7d and benzene sulfonamide in accordance with Procedure 1, Method A described hereinabove. ESI m/z: 492 (M−H⁻, 100%).

Example LXXVI Preparation of 4-(6-Phenyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepen-5-yl)-phenol 8b

8a is prepared according to the synthesis set forth at pages 2053-2059 of Vol. 29 of J. Med. Chem 1986. 8b was prepared from 8a in accordance with the general method described in Example LXV. Yield (91%); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.29-6.98 (m, 9H), 6.63 (m, 4H), 4.63 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 3.49 (m, 1H), 3.00 (m, 2H), 2.07 (m, 3H), 1.75 (m, 1H).

Example LXXVII Preparation of Triflouro-methanesulfonic acid 4-(6-phenyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl ester 8c

Prepared from 8b in accordance with the general method described in Example XVII. Yield (89%); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.31-6.84 (m, 13H), 4.70 (br s, 1H), 3.53 (br d, J=9.5 Hz, 1H), 2.98 (m, 2H), 2.17 (m, 1H), 2.00 (m, 2H), 1.75 (m, 1H).

Example LXXVIII Preparation of 3-[4-{6-Phenyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid methyl ester 8d

Prepared by Heck coupling 8c and methyl acrylate in accordance with the general method described in Example IV. Yield (14%); APcI m/z: 424 (M+H+CH₃CN⁺, 100%).

Example LXXIX Preparation of 3-[4-{6-Phenyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclo hepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid 8e

Prepared by saponifying (hydrolyzing) ester 8d in accordance with the general method described in Example VII. Yield (30%); ESI m/z: 367 (M−H⁻, 100%). 

1. A compound of Formula (I):

or pharmaceutically acceptable salt form thereof, wherein R¹ is

X is selected from O and CH₂; Y is selected from O and NH; n is 1 or 2; R² is selected from H, OH, C₁₋₈alkyl, OC₁₋₈alkyl, and halo; R³ is selected from H, OH, CN, nitro, C₁₋₈alkyl, OC₁₋₈ ₈alkyl, and halo; provided that when n is 1, R³ is not OH or OC₁₋₈alkyl; R⁴ is selected from H and C₁₋₄ alkyl; and the bond represented by a broken line and a solid line is an optional double bond.
 2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is


3. A compound according to claim 2, wherein R⁴ is hydrogen.
 4. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is


5. A compound according to claim 1, wherein n is
 2. 6. A compound according to claim 5, wherein X is CH₂.
 7. A compound according to claim 6, wherein R¹ is —C(═O) OH.
 8. A compound according to claim 7, wherein the bond represented by a broken line and a solid line is a double bond.
 9. A compound according to claim 1, wherein n is
 1. 10. A compound according to claim 9, wherein X is O.
 11. A compound according to claim 1, wherein X is O.
 12. A compound according to claim 1, wherein X is CH₂.
 13. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R² and R³ are each independently H.
 14. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R² is OH and R³ is H.
 15. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R² is OCH₃ and R³ is H.
 16. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R² is OH and R³ is OH.
 17. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R² is H and R³ is OH.
 18. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the bond represented by a broken line and a solid line is a double bond.
 19. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from: a) 3-{4-[6-(3-Methoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl]-phenyl}-acrylic acid; b) 3-{4-[6-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl]-phenyl}-acrylic acid; c) 3-{4-[6-(3-Hydroxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl]-phenyl}-acrylic acid; d) 3-{4-[6-(4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl]-phenyl}-acrylic acid; f) 3-[4-(6-Phenyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid; g) 3-[4-(2-Hydroxy-6-phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid; h) 3-{4-[2-Hydroxy-6-(3-hydroxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl]-phenyl}-acrylic acid; i) 3-{4-[2-Hydroxy-6-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl]-phenyl}-acrylic acid; r) 3-[4-(3-Phenyl-2H-chromen-4-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid; s) 3-[4-(2-Phenyl-3,4-dihydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid; t) 3-[4-(2-Phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid; u) 3-[4-(6-Phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-acrylic acid.
 20. A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of claim
 1. 21. A method of treating breast, uterine, ovarian, prostate, or colon cancer; osteoporosis; endometriosis; uterine fibroid; Alzheimer's disease; macular degeneration; urinary incontinence; or type II diabetes, comprising: administering to a host in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of claim
 1. 22. A compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt form thereof comprising 3-[4-(6-Phenyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-phenyl]-propionic acid. 